The Clarke Wedding Video Intro

Have you ever wondered what a professional wedding video looks like? Well, we can't post an entire wedding here, but I can post the intro sequence to one.

The Clarke's hired us to film only their wedding ceremony, but being the nice people we are, we filmed a little extra for them to enjoy the video so much more. So without further adeau, we present the Clark Wedding Video Intro.



This particular wedding occurred at the Windmill Gardens in Sumner, Wa.

If you would like more information on any of our wedding services, please navigate to www.mvsweddings.com or send us an email at info@mvsweddings.com. Please keep in mind, and I'm sorry to be so blunt, that we are not 'craigslist' videographers so if your expectation for a wedding video is $300, please look elsewhere. But if you are interested in a professional wedding video from an award-winning studio that doesn't cost an arm-and-a-leg, then by all means give us a call.

Blessings,

Chris

The Apple iPad

We've been waiting for a tool like the Apple iPad to hit the market and we are certainly excited that its finally here. Or is it?

We are not ones to be first adapters of anything. In my opinion, if its not broke don't fix it, so jumping into a new and untested technology has never been high on my list. I would rather have the bugs worked out, the apps to hit the market, etc. rather than dealing with the headaches and frustrations that undoubetely come with any new technology. So we wait.

But every once in a while something hits the market that seems like the absolute "must have." Such is the case with the iPad. Here is a device that is small and light enough to take with you, but large enough to play high-def movies, keep a calendar, email, surf the web, and so one in relative pleasure (have you ever tried to surf the web with a blackberry or iPhone?).

But having said that, we are still not going to jump in as a first adapter. We'll wait a few months or until the next generation comes out (I really want an application that will sync all my calendars-home and work). In the mean time, you may be interested in what the technogeeks have to say about it. So posted here is a link to one of the best reviews of the iPad that we've seen so far (if we find more we'll post those too.).

http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/03/apple-ipad-review/

In the mean time, let us know if you have one and how you like or dislike it. We'd love to know.

Blessings,

Chris

High Definition Demo

I was looking through this blog earlier today and noticed that I hadn't posted any video that we have shot with our new cameras. So here it is...

Murrays from Chris McKenna on Vimeo.

We shot this in high-definition using a Sony PMW-EX1R High-Definition Cameras a few weeks back. This demo is obviously of Murray's Collision Center, located in Kent, WA. This was a really great company to work with on this shoot, and we were glad we were given the opportunity to do so.

If you are interested in getting a video like this for your company, please visit our website www.mckennavideo.com or send us an email at info@mckennavideo.com. Remember, video does not have to be expensive (actually our video is quite affordable) and doesn't have to be complicated.

Blessings,

Chris

Low Price Does Not Equal High Quality

So we're a bit puzzled this morning. It seems that the economy has got consumers inventing new math.

I remember my basic arithmetic from grammar school and it went something like this:

1+1 = 2
2+2 = 4
12 + 8 = 20
100 + 100 = 200

And so on...you get it.

Well, it seems to us that with everything going on in our economy, healthcare, politics, etc. people seem to have forgotten their basic math. The new math appears to be:

1+1 = 3
2+2 = -15
12+8 = (x+3y)/(17x*sin45)
100+100 = whatever you want it to be.

It doesn't make sense, does it? It certainly confuses me.

So how does this relate to Video Production and the services that we provide. Well, lets take these crazy math equation and substitute price on one side and high quality and service on the other. So your new equation would look like this.

Low Price = High Quality, High Service

And thus the opposite must apply too-correct? That high price must equal low quality and low service. Do I have that right?

Sorry to say folks, but low price does not equal high quality and high service. In fact, in 99 times out of 100 it means just the opposite. There is a reason that the low cost leader in whatever service you're after is the low cost leader. Do they deal in volume? Do they cut corners with materials? Can you ever talk with an actual person? Do they outsource to foreign operated companies? Are they "too big" to fail? Do they get taxpayer subsidies? Do they also sell dog food and pizza?

I'll venture to guess that whatever the reason, at least one of the above reasons apply, maybe more.

I recently got a phonecall from a potential customer looking for pricing. Before quoting him my list price I explained to him all the benefits of using McKenna Video:

• State-of the-art equipment
• Premium materials (discs)
• Fast turnaround times
• We do the work-we don't outsource
  
• Customized
• The fact that you can actually talk to someone
• Local business

However, that didn't seem to matter as he was focused solely on having the lowest cost possible (in this case I don't think even free would have been good enough). What he didn't realize was that for his $10 per tape (I know who he was quoting), he never, ever gets to talk with someone, he has no idea who is doing the work, he doesn't know where he tapes will end up, what equipment they use, what kind of disc his video will be transferred to, when he'll get them back, etc.

Another example was an email from an individual this morning wanting me to match Costco pricing for a service. Really? Costco? Come on, can anyone ever match Costco on anything? So the question that I ask is would you retain your attorney from Costco? Would you get your accounting done at Costco? Some might (if price is your ONLY consideration) but most people wouldn't because the quality of the service is just not there. So why would you get your video services done at Costco? (Sidenote-ask Costco who actually does their transfer work, where your tapes go, how long it takes, and what is the 'loss in factory' rate).

So it goes with any service, you might pay a little bit more than what you can find on the internet or what a big discount retailer or wholesaler might provide, but the service that that local business provides usually can't be beat.

I hope that this little dissertation helps you look beyond price as being the only factor in determining where you have your services performed.

Blessings.

McKenna Video Unveils New Logo

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(February 18, 2010)

McKenna Video Services Unveils New Logo

(Puyallup, WA) McKenna Video Services announced today that they are unveiling a new logo.

“We are so excited about how our new logo will bridge the gap between McKenna Video Services, MVS Weddings and Chris McKenna Photography,” says co-owner Chris McKenna. "For the last five years, we have been searching for ways to bring unity to all our operating units and we believe that this new logo will help us achieve it," he adds.

The logo, the result of a contest between 20 different graphic designers will be implemented immediately into all McKenna video productions, including weddings, and the photography side of the business, Chris McKenna Photography.

McKenna will continue to operate all 3 of their websites independent of each other for marketing purposes, but all printed marketing materials, videos and photographs will now bear the 'McKenna Video and Photo' brand.

For more information on McKenna Video Services and Chris McKenna Photography, visit their websites at www.mckennavideo.com, www.mvsweddings.com and www.chrismckennaphotography.com or call 253-539-3438.

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Getting Married in Pierce County, WA

So 2010 is the year that you are planning to get married? Maybe 2011 or 2012? Or maybe you’re already married. Great! Congratulations.

Well, we are in the process of collecting nominations for 10 best places to get married in Pierce County, WA (we’re actually planning to produce a video that features these places). So if you have your venue or church picked out, let us know what it is and where it is so we can add it to our list. (of course, it helps in the venue is beautiful and not your backyard). At the top of our list so far is Laurel Creek Manor and Rock Creek Gardens.

So let us know your thoughts. Drop us an email a tinfo@mckennavideo.com or info@chrismckennaphotography or look us up on facebook (http://www.facebook.com/mckennavideophoto ) and leave a note there.

We look forward to hearing from you. And we promise not to try and sell you something–unless you want us to.

Blessings,

Chris.

Wedding Planners in Pierce County, WA

To stress or not to stress...that is the question!

Do you have a friend who is getting married, or are you getting married yourself? Have you ever been to a wedding which was chaotic and unorganized-where the wedding party didn't know where to stand, the food was cold and the DJ stopped playing music leaving "dead air" during dinner? Awkward!?!?!

We have had the honor of documenting so many beautiful weddings over the years, some of which were well organized, others, well, could have used some (OK...a lot) of help. If you are a bride-to-be, my advice to you is to take that extra step to get new and innovative ideas, add a touch of luxury and alleviate the stress from your most beautiful wedding day.

We recently had the pleasure of meeting and amazing wedding planner/coordinator, Tricia Fisk, of Weddings Realized (www.weddingsrealized.com) Her expertise in providing planning and coordinating services is evident in her personality and knowledge of her profession. In the years that she has been in the "wedding business", she has offered couples an opportunity to truly enjoy every aspect of their wedding, from the planning stages to the day of their union.

What many couples don't realize is that someone needs to be the "go to guy", especially the day of their wedding. There are so many details that need to be attended to; delivery of the flowers, DJ, food, cake, making sure all parties needed for photos are in place and ready to smile, dress is flawless, officiant is present, and so many other needs.

Also, many couples don't know that a wedding planner has great connections to other wedding professionals, and can refer you to an appropriate vendor. Often times a wedding planner can orchestrate and pass along a professional discount on flowers, rentals, venues etc. She can refer you to the best photographers and videographers in the area, where you can be sure that your wedding day is documented perfectly forever.

Couples preparing to be married should be able to concentrate on each other, not the minuscule details that can make or break their wedding day. Hand these stress makers over to a pro. I recommend that you call Tricia for a brief consult and see if she is a good fit for you. Ensure that your wedding day runs smooth and beautiful. Hire a professional wedding planner. It will be so worth your while.

God's blessings,

Chris